Denomination: I.G.T. Rosso Toscana (Castello del Terriccio) Producer: Castello del Terriccio First vintage: 2000 Grapes: Syrah, Petit Verdot Analytical Data: 14% Vol. Soil type: The soils are rich in iron minerals with the presence of stones and fossils. The perfect slope towards the Mediterranean sea, a unique reflection of the sun, a gentle coastal breeze and plenty of sunlight promote a unique and exclusive ripening.
Training system: Spurred Cordon Planting density: 3,600 vines/Ha. for old vineyards; 5,600 vines/Ha. for new vineyards Climatic trend: 2016 was certainly one of the most regular vintages of the last decade. Rainfall met the vines' needs punctually: abundant in March, regular in May and June, important at the end of July and, finally, a warm and sunny August and mid-September. Temperatures were optimal: a mild end to the winter that had caused concern was then regularised by a tenably cool spring that slowed down the development of the bunches, which then benefited from the hot but not torrid summer, with significant temperature swings. Cluster growth was regular and optimal, production was good and ripening was perfect.
Harvest period: Harvesting was strictly by hand and took place for the Syrah and Petit Verdot grapes from mid-September. After an initial selection in the vineyard when harvested by hand, the grapes are carefully selected a second time on arrival at the winery on the sorting table.
Winemaking notes: After manual selection on the sorting table, the grapes are gently destemmed and pressed, taking care not to break the skin of the berries. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel open-cap fermenters at a controlled temperature, with maceration of the grapes, for about 20 days. Daily dèlestages allowed the extraction of the aromatic bouquet and the right balance tannicity, with important structure that will allow long ageing.
Ageing: The wine is aged in first and second passage French oak Tonneaux for a period of about 22 months and then blended and bottled.